‘Encroacher’ hangs over Yusuf Pathan, former Indian cricketer-turned-politician withdraws Gujarat High Court appeal over Vadodara land dispute: Case explained

The Gujarat High Court on Monday dismissed as withdrawn an appeal filed by former India cricketer and Lok Sabha MP Yusuf Pathan against a single judge’s order describing him as a “trespasser” on government land in Vadodara.Pathan’s lawyer, Shalin Mehta, sought permission to withdraw the plea before a division bench comprising Chief Justice Sunita Agarwal and Justice DN Ray. The lawyer told the court that Pathan’s claim to the land was still enforced as part of state government policy.The Appeals Chamber subsequently dismissed the appeal as withdrawn.

Pathan challenged the denial of allotment of land

The 43-year-old approached the Supreme Court challenging the single judge order that upheld the Gujarat government’s decision to reject his application for allotment of a 978 square meter plot owned by the Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC).Pathan claimed the land under the state policy applicable to international cricketers.During an earlier hearing, Pathan told the court that he was pursuing his claim under a state government scheme and was given four weeks to discuss the matter. The High Court also warned that he could face higher damages if it took longer to clear the land.

Member of Parliament Yusuf Pathan during the monsoon session of Parliament in New Delhi. (PTI photo)

During Monday’s meeting, Mehta said they were waiting for a response from the VMC but had not received any.“Because we are saying that there is a circular that allows international cricketers to get conspiracy. I think I will withdraw because I have not heard anything from them (VMC). I have received instructions from my client… if it has to happen, it will happen out of court, otherwise it won’t happen,” Mehta said.With the dismissal of the appeal, Pathan’s attempt to challenge the earlier order through the Division Bench ended.

VMC asked Pathan to vacate the land

The dispute dates back to 2024 when the Gujarat government rejected Pathan’s request for allotment of land. Despite the refusal, he continued to occupy the land.

Yusuf Pathan campaigns with Rana Chatterjee (PTI Photo)

After Pathan was elected from the Baharampur Lok Sabha seat in West Bengal on a Trinamool Congress (TMC) ticket in 2024, the VMC issued a notice to him to vacate the premises. Pathan refused and contested the matter in court.The High Court had previously taken a strong view on his occupation of the land. During the hearing on June 8, the court came down heavily on Pathan for alleged “encroachment” and verbally questioned how he could enter and occupy the land without completing the required formalities.The matter is now moving out of court as Pathan continues to enforce his claim under state policy.